Flexible illuminated display device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to frame-less luminous displays such as electroluminescent, OLED, and LED displays that are releaseably mounted to a surface using adjustable, removable and/or replaceable adapters. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a thin, frame-less luminous display device which comprises a plurality of thin translucent or transparent layers on which an opaque, graphic layer has been applied and which is illuminated using an electroluminescent light source configured between said transparent or translucent layers. The display device may be further adapted to be releaseably mounted on a surface such as pane of glass using adjustable, removable suction cup type mounting devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/490,565, filed Jun. 7, 2012, and entitled PORTABLE FRAME-LESS REVERSIBLE LUMINOUS SUCTION CUP DISPLAY (Coleman), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to frame-less luminous displays such as electroluminescent, OLED, and LED displays that are releaseably mounted to a surface using adjustable, removable, and/or replaceable adapters. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a thin, frame-less luminous display device which comprises a plurality of thin translucent or transparent layers on which an opaque, graphic layer has been applied and which is illuminated using an electroluminescent light source configured between said transparent or translucent layers. The display device may be further adapted to be releaseably mounted on a surface such as pane of glass using, for example, adjustable, removable suction cup type mounting devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices exist for displaying images or messages for showing support for a cause, school, or team or for advertising or other purposes. These devices may be neon signs, back-lit signs, hanging light box signs, LED signs, or LCD panels and may be releaseably mounted in a window using adhesives, by electrostatic cling, by a suction device, or may be mounted behind the window by hanging the sign or mounting the sign on a stand. A problem common to these devices is the size and weight of the devices that often limit how the displays may be mounted. Additionally, signs such as neon signs require an AC power source to function and are not suited to being mounted in a vehicle window or other application not having ready access to such a power source.

It is known in the art to mount a display device to the reverse of a flexible substrate to be releaseably attached to a window by electrostatic cling. Michael et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,889); Woodruff et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,910). It is further known to place an illumination device in a housing and attach said housing to a surface using suction type devices. Snyder (U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,909). It is also known in the art to place an illumination device between multiple, rigid, transparent panels to facilitate mounting the illumination device on a surface. Hoffman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,289). However, what is needed is a thin, light weight device composed of an electroluminescent display sandwiched between layers of a flexible, transparent substrate powered by an external power source or attached or integrated battery.

What is needed is a thin and light illuminated sign powered by a DC power adapter or battery pack that can be releaseably mounted to a vehicle window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a thin, flexible, electroluminescent display that may be releaseably mounted on either the obverse or reverse of a window or similar surface. In one embodiment, the present invention primarily consists of a flat, transparent, flexible, laminated panel capable of being mounted on a window or similar planar surface by one or more suction-type devices. In this embodiment, when the reverse side of the present invention is viewed from a top, planar perspective, the electroluminescent areas of the panel can be seen and are connected by a single, flexible, conductive wire. Around the edges of this embodiment of the present invention are three locations where releasable suction cup mounts can be attached. The suction cups may be mounted to such that the cup end is facing either the obverse or reverse of the display allowing for a user to select and switch between mounting and facing the display on either an interior or exterior surface, e.g., a car window.

In this embodiment the laminated panel itself is thin and frameless. The panel may or may not have control circuitry attached to the panel. The power control circuitry may be contained in a control box separate from the panel in an in-line configuration with the power cord. The control circuitry may connect to the electroluminescent circuitry of the present invention on the reverse side using a quick release multi-pin connector. The connector may be permanently attached to a flat, flexible wire harness that provides power to the electroluminescent areas laminated in the panel, directly connected to the electroluminescent areas, or may be omitted from the device, wherein the device is permanently attached to a power adapter or battery pack. The wire itself may be also laminated within the panel, only to protrude slightly from the reverse of the panel where the connector is attached.

Power may be provided to the present invention through a connector and flexible wire harness. The connector connects to a wire harness that joins the device to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is then further connected to a DC connector, battery pack, or AC/DC power adapter. The DC connector may optionally be connected to an AC/DC power converter and may further comprise an integrated battery pack. A selector switch is positioned on one side of the control circuitry. In one exemplary mode of operation, the switch allows the present invention to be operated in one of, for example, three illumination modes. For example, when the device is attached to the DC power cord and AC/DC converter and the selective switch on the control box is in the “constant on” position, the electroluminescent portions of the panel will illuminate. The device may also be connected to a DC battery pack which may integrated into the AC/DC converter or DC power cord or, in another embodiment, may be attached to the device itself

The panel itself may consist of, for example, three mounting points for the reversible releasable mounts, the connector protruding from the reverse of the device, and the laminated panel. The laminated panel may be comprised of several layers of flexible plastic, pvc, or vinyl. The electroluminescent layers may be oriented between the obverse and reverse layers of the panel, the opaque printed image layer, and the flexible wire harness which provides power to the electroluminescent layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but are intended to be exemplary and for reference.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device mounted on the interior of a substantially planar surface.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device mounted on the exterior of a substantially planar surface.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device in a vertical configuration.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematic of one embodiment of the electrical circuitry used in the illuminated display device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Those possessing ordinary skill in the art and having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other applications for use of the invention, which are fully contemplated herein as within the scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein, and with respect to which the present invention could be of significant utility.

With respect to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the invention depicting a plan view of the present invention is provided. The illuminated device 100 is shown with control circuitry 130. Control circuitry 130 comprises controller box 134 and DC connector 132. The controller box 134 comprises control circuitry configured to operate the illumination circuitry 120 and may also comprise an inverter or a power adapter. The controller box 134 may also comprise a battery or battery pack, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. In addition, a sound chip or controller and a speaker may also be incorporated into the controller box 134 to provide sound in addition to the illuminated display 110. The sound chip may be, for example, a CHEERTREND CH-SM001 device and may be integrated into the controller box 134 or may be integrated into the illuminated display 110. DC adapter 132 may be further connected to an AC/DC adapter such that the device may be connected to an AC power source. Furthermore, the control circuitry 130 may be releaseably connected to the illuminated display 110 by a connector 124.

The illumination circuitry 120 is configured between a plurality of layers of a flexible, transparent material such as a vinyl plastic or PVC that comprise the flexible body of the illuminated display 110. The illumination circuitry 120 may comprise electroluminescent circuitry, LEDs, an OLED display, or a flexible LCD display. In this embodiment, the illumination circuitry 120 comprises electroluminescent circuitry and is positioned behind images and designs 122. In one embodiment, the illumination circuitry 120 is laminated or layered between thin, flexible, transparent layers of a vinyl plastic. The illumination circuitry 120 is best protected when permanently sealed between two exterior layers of vinyl plastic such that the illumination circuitry 120 is not exposed to the elements. The images and designs 122 are translucent or substantially opaque but are still illuminated by the electroluminescent circuitry 122. The illuminated display 110 also comprises a plurality of mounting points 140. The mounting points are adapted to receive a releasable mounting device such as suction cups 142. The suction cups 142 may be mounted in the openings 144 such that the illuminated device 100 may be mounted with either the obverse or reverse of the device facing the mounting surface. The illuminated device 100 may also be mounted to a surface using any other suitable means for releaseably mounting the device to said surface such as by magnets, electrostatic cling, reusable adhesive, or hook-and-loop fasteners.

The controller box 134 may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device 100. The device 100 may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. In a sequencing mode of operation, different portions of the illumination circuitry in a predetermined sequence, controlled by the inverter attached to the display device. In one embodiment, the illumination circuitry 120 as seen in FIG. 1 may illuminate in the following manner. The lower curvilinear portion of the illumination circuitry 120 may illuminate first, followed by the upper curvilinear portion and the center circular portion. The pattern and order in which different portions of the illumination circuitry 120 activate may be predetermined by an inverter in the control circuitry 130 and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Now with respect to FIG. 2, the illuminated device 200 is depicted in a perspective view attached to the interior of the vehicle window 250. In this embodiment, suction cups 242 are positioned in mounting points 240 such that the illuminated display 210 is facing the surface on which it is releaseably attached, window 250. In this configuration the device 200 is securely mounted inside the vehicle 252 such that it is not exposed to the elements. The control circuitry 230 is concealed within the vehicle 252 and in this configuration would be connected to a DC power source within the vehicle 252. However, the device 200 may also be powered by a battery power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.

Now with respect to FIG. 3, the illuminated device 300 is depicted in a perspective view attached to the exterior of vehicle window 350. In this embodiment, suction cups 342 are positioned in mounting points 340 such that the illuminated display 310 is facing away from the surface on which it is releaseably attached, window 350. The suction cups 342 are configured in openings 344 such that the suction cup attachment portions of the suction cups 342 are facing the vehicle window 350. In this configuration the reverse of the device faces the mounting surface, window 350, and the device 300 is on the exterior of the vehicle 352. By mounting the device 300 on the exterior of the vehicle 352, the device is more visible in situations where the vehicle window may be obscured by a tint, sticker, fixture, or other obstruction. This mounting configuration is optimal when the device 300 will not be exposed to harsh or unfavorable weather conditions. The control circuitry 330 is releaseably mounted on the exterior of the vehicle 352 by a magnet incorporated into the adapter 332. The adapter 332 may also be mounted to the vehicle 352 by any other means for releaseably mounting the adapter 332 such as a by a suction cup or reusable adhesive. The controller box 334 may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device 300. The device 300 may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. The controller box 344 may also further comprise a battery pack or rechargeable battery pack.

Now with respect to FIG. 4, a side view of the illuminated device 400 in a vertical configuration is provided. This side view shows the thin, flexible main illuminated display portion 410 of the device 400. Also shown are the mounting points 440 with suction cups 442 positioned in openings 444 such that the front (obverse) of the device 400 would be facing the surface on which the device 400 would be mounted. Images, graphics, designs, or text may be printed in translucent or substantially opaque manner on the front of the device. Also shown are the alternative mounting positions 446 for the suction cups 442. In the alternative mounting positions 446 the suction cups 442 would be configured to mount the back (reverse) of the device 400 such that the back of the device 400 is facing the surface on which it is to be mounted. The control circuitry 430 is either fixedly or releaseably attached to the illuminated display 410 and in this embodiment comprises a DC adapter 432 and a controller box 434 which alternatively may be integrated to the display portion 410 such that the display is a unitary design without outwardly extending wires or boxes. Further, a touch sensitive mode-switching device or the like may be used to obviate the need for a mechanical switch.

Now with respect to FIG. 5, a block diagram schematic of the control circuitry 500 of the present invention is depicted. The control circuitry comprises a DC power supply 510, such as a DC power source in a vehicle, a DC/AC power converter 520, a power connector 530, an inverter 540, and illumination circuitry 550. The control circuitry 500 may either be configured to primarily connect to a DC or an AC power source, and in either configuration the control circuitry may comprise a power adapter such as a DC/AC adapter or an AC/DC adapter. The inverter 540 may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device. The device may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. The control circuitry 500 may also comprise a battery pack, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, a nickel cadmium battery pack, or may be configured to accept a standard battery type such as AA, AAA, 9 volt, or C type batteries.

While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described. Also, the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. It is fully contemplated that other various embodiments of and modifications to the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims. Further, although the present invention has been described herein in the context of particular embodiments and implementations and applications and in particular environments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention can be beneficially applied in any number of ways and environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a flexible, frame-less, planar panel further comprising: a first flexible, transparent layer on which an image has been printed; a second flexible, transparent layer fixedly and permanently secured to the reverse of the first flexible, transparent layer; a third layer comprising a set of illumination circuitry being fixedly and permanently secured between said first and second flexible, transparent layers; means for releaseably attaching said flexible, frame-less, panel to a surface; and control means for operatively controlling said illumination circuitry and being operatively connected to said illumination circuitry.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the image comprises one or more of a logo, a design, a slogan, word art, and a message.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said illumination circuitry further comprises an illumination means selected from the group consisting of: electroluminescent circuitry, LEDs, an OLED display, and a flexible LCD display.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second flexible, transparent layers are comprised from a material selected from the group consisting of: vinyl plastic, PVC, and silicone rubber.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for releaseably attaching comprises suction-cups.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the suction-cups are further adapted for mounting on the obverse or reverse of the flexible, frame-less, planar panel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means further comprises a DC power connector.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means further comprises an inverter.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means further comprises an AC/DC adapter.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means further comprises a connector for releaseably attaching said control circuitry to said illumination circuitry.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means further comprises a battery pack.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the elements of the apparatus comprise a fully integrated display device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a sound controller and a speaker.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control circuitry further comprises a selector switch adapted to select a method of functioning.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the method of functioning is selected from the group consisting of: off, on, sequential illumination, pulsing, blinking, flashing, and standby. 